Is there a 3 amp to one cab switcher, similar to the Radial Tonebone Headbone?

[mctallica1]

I’ve used the Radial to switch between two amps using one cab for years with great results and am wondering if there is a similar unit that can do the same thing for 3 amps into one cab?

As much as I would like to stay with just two amps, if there is a way to do it, I may convince myself to keep the Mark III+ I currently have in the classifieds…..

Thanks!
T

 

[Dave L]

Sure, tons of stuff that can do four to eight amps into one cab, all of it rackmounted and MIDI-controlled. N-Audio, KHE, Fryette, Kahayan, Ampete... we just mentioned them in another thread. I´m not aware of anything floor-based that does three, though, or anything that isn´t running on MIDI.

The III+ is a great amp, btw, mine is the best Boogie I´ve ever had. I definitely see why you would want to keep it.

 

[MadAsAHatter]

If you specifically want 3 amps to 1 cab then the DeLisle V1 switcher fits the bill

https://delisleguitar.com/shop/de-lisle-amp-speaker-selector-v1/

They also offer many other many other combination options. I personally own the 12x12 deluxe and 8x8 deluxe. I've had zero issues with either and can vouch for their quality. Unless you absolutely need MIDI switching I think DeLisle gets you the best bang for buck.

https://delisleguitar.com/shop/amp-and-speaker-cabinet-selectors/

 

[mctallica1]

https://delisleguitar.com/shop/de-lisle-amp-speaker-selector-v1/

This looks like it would be perfect, except that the manual says you need to put the amps not in use on stand by or turn them off.

I’m hoping to find something that functions similarly to the Headbone, where I can leave the amps on and switch between them.

 

[Promit]

https://delisleguitar.com/shop/de-lisle-amp-speaker-selector-v1/

This looks like it would be perfect, except that the manual says you need to put the amps not in use on stand by or turn them off.

I’m hoping to find something that functions similarly to the Headbone, where I can leave the amps on and switch between them.

I’m using the De Lisle switcher, but I only do one amp to multiple cabs. There’s a bit of CYA here in the language. Essentially what is happening is that the switched provides a simple resistive load to the amp(s) in case of no cab connection, which is nice. But the load is not a power handling load, so it would cook fast if any actual amp output were directed to it. So if you were for example using a 3 way splitter box so that all three amps were getting an input signal, and trying to route just one to a cab, it would be a bad day very quickly.

For something that does full amp head switching including moving the guitar signal to the proper head, you’ll be looking at spendy options like KHE.

 

[mctallica1]

I’m using the De Lisle switcher, but I only do one amp to multiple cabs. There’s a bit of CYA here in the language. Essentially what is happening is that the switched provides a simple resistive load to the amp(s) in case of no cab connection, which is nice. But the load is not a power handling load, so it would cook fast if any actual amp output were directed to it. So if you were for example using a 3 way splitter box so that all three amps were getting an input signal, and trying to route just one to a cab, it would be a bad day very quickly.

For something that does full amp head switching including moving the guitar signal to the proper head, you’ll be looking at spendy options like KHE.

https://www.khe-audioelectronics.com/shop/acs-4x2-mkii

It looks like this would accomplish what I’d like to do…..yes? I would even be able to use my 2X12 @ the same time if I chose, correct?

FWIW, I don’t think it is terribly expensive when you consider what it does and what the amps it is protecting are worth. Just my humble opinion.

Thanks for the help.
T

 

[TheGreatGreen]

KHE makes great stuff, I love mine. They will let you select 1 or 2 cabs at a time but impedance matching is on you to figure out.

If you want a switcher that does multiple amps and accounts for impedance changes between 1 vs 2 cabs, get the one made by Fryette.

 

[technomancer]

KHE makes great stuff, I love mine. They will let you select 1 or 2 cabs at a time but impedance matching is on you to figure out.

If you want a switcher that does multiple amps and accounts for impedance changes between 1 vs 2 cabs, get the one made by Fryette.

KHE actually has a separate impedance matcher that can be added to their switchers now.

https://www.khe-audioelectronics.com/shop/zmx-1

 

[Dave L]

For my applications I wouldn´t use anything that didn´t switch both the inputs and outputs of the amp at the same time, but YMMV.

One thing to consider is the rating of that safety load, if you have a lot of big delays going on in the loops of the heads. Some are very small and are basically only made to handle the silent/idle output of an amp and not the amplified repeats. Another way to approach the issue is the shared FX loop that some of these more advanced options have.

 

[MadAsAHatter]

https://delisleguitar.com/shop/de-lisle-amp-speaker-selector-v1/

This looks like it would be perfect, except that the manual says you need to put the amps not in use on stand by or turn them off.

I’m hoping to find something that functions similarly to the Headbone, where I can leave the amps on and switch between them.

If that's the case you'll want to step up to the 4x4 deluxe. That one lets you route the guitar input to the selected amp and cab without having to put anything in standby or move your guitar cable around. The unselected amps are muted at the "amp input" on the unit and put on a protective load.

This is how I use my 8x8 and 12x12. I can have several amps on at the same time and switch as needed, very similar to your headbone.

 

[mctallica1]

KHE makes great stuff, I love mine. They will let you select 1 or 2 cabs at a time but impedance matching is on you to figure out.

If you want a switcher that does multiple amps and accounts for impedance changes between 1 vs 2 cabs, get the one made by Fryette.

I my case, I have 2, 8ohm cabs, so assuming I want to run both cabs at all times (which I think I would) I believe I would just set each amp at 4 ohms…..correct?

I am leaning towards going this route.

 

[mctallica1]

Not leaning any more

Just ordered the KHE ACS 4x2 MK II.

 

[RedB4Black]

I my case, I have 2, 8ohm cabs, so assuming I want to run both cabs at all times (which I think I would) I believe I would just set each amp at 4 ohms…..correct?

I am leaning towards going this route.

That's what I do with my KHE setup. I have the ACS 8x4 combined with the AFX-8 to integrate the loops. I mostly have the heads set on 8 ohms and all my cabs are 16. I always play with 2 cabs. If I just use one cab, then I have to swap the outputs on the amps to 16.

 

[mctallica1]

Thanks for all the help everyone!

 

[Little B]

It's out of production I believe, but I use a cae rack amp switcher- up to 4 amp heads into 1 or 2 cabs.Only 1 amp on at a time..Built like a tank.They pop up every now and then fs on rv and the bay.

 

[Elric]

Yeah, I have one of the really tricked out deLisle's... It switches the inputs for you and has a reactive load, so all the amps I want to use get fired up and you just play and use the switcher to pick which amp and cab you want.

Super convenient for home studio type setup. I'm sure you will love the KHE. They are great as well!

 

[reignman454]

If you specifically want 3 amps to 1 cab then the DeLisle V1 switcher fits the bill

https://delisleguitar.com/shop/de-lisle-amp-speaker-selector-v1/

They also offer many other many other combination options. I personally own the 12x12 deluxe and 8x8 deluxe. I've had zero issues with either and can vouch for their quality. Unless you absolutely need MIDI switching I think DeLisle gets you the best bang for buck.

https://delisleguitar.com/shop/amp-and-speaker-cabinet-selectors/

Just emailed them.... Bought one new from them a few weeks ago... Ground hum bad regardless of Soldano, Marshall etc. This thread reminded me to inquire with them. I really think no 3-1 pedal works well at this point as theirs seems to be the most recommended. Could be the power in my building but even through a conditioner, new cables, wireless etc... still hums bad

 

[mctallica1]

Pulled my Fryette PS2 out of the closet to us as attenuator, master loop and tone tweaking and the KHE unit should be here Thursday. Will be using 3 amp heads and 2, 8 ohm cabs.

Excited to have it set up, but somewhat intimidated to do the routing and “programming” on the KHE to use the PS2 and 2 cabs at once. This will be BY FAR the most complex setup I’ve ever used.